PUREWA CEMETERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 37, 12 February 1904, Page 2

PUREWA CEMETERY.

ANGLICAN SBRVICE PRESCRIBED. A debate took place at the sitting of the Anglican General Synod yesterday afternoon upon the question of the sevice to be read at the grave. Although the mattei referred to all cemeteries under the General Synod, the discussion pointed to Purewtt being the most under consideration. The discussion arose out of the following motion by the Bishop of Christehurch: "Eicppt in the case of 'persons dying unbapt!=ed or excommunicated, or who have laid violent hands upon t'nc-iuselves,' no body shall be interred In any cemetery held under the General Synod without the burial service as prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer being read by a clergyman or luy reader duly authorised by the bishop of the diocese, and no other service shall be performed over bodies buried in such cemeteries except by con<seiK of the Ordinary. Provided that where ground in such cemeteries has already been acquired by persons who are not members of the Church of the Province of New Zealand this regulation shaJl not apply." Bishop Julius said a right had been obtained by persona not belonging to the Anglican Ohureh to bury in at least one of their cemeteries. In order that no injustice should be done to such persons, he wished the proviso added th-at this regulation should not apply to such cases. Canon MaeMnrray suggested that a committee should be set up to report regarding Purewa Cemetery. There were cemeteries that belonged entirely to the Anglican Church, but Purewa was of a different class, and he thought should be inquired Into by a committee. Bishop Juliu3 said in that matter h-e was willing to be guided by the Bishop of Auckland. Bishop Neligan said, while appreciating Canon Mac Murray's good feeling in making the suggestion, he thought the proviso safeguarded sufficiently the rights of those who had acquired ground at Pnrewa, but who were not members of their Church. The position was a difficult one, but so far as his judgment carried him he would like ■the resolution adopted with title proviso suggested. Lest there should be any misunderstanding, he wisiied to point out the extremest case that could occur at Purewa. but not one that had leatly happened. Still it would 'have been possible for a H-abom-medan to have acquired ground there, and even had a child buried according to the rites of his faith. Now, if that man's wife also died he might wish to have her buried in the same way near her child. Supposing he, as fcue bishop, was to say, "No! yon must use the Church of England burial service." He did not think any man in that Synod would care for their service beins; read under such circumstances, and no Englishman would say it was a fair and just thing to demand, at the most tender moment of a man's life. (Applause.) They should show that ttieir Church was broad with the love of God. Therefore, they did not propose to interfere with the rights already acquired, but merely to show that they intended to be a little more conscientious to their principles in the future. T>he proviso was added after consultation by Bishop Julius, and he thought it would safeguard existing rights of others, and at the same time provide for the future. Canon HaeAlurray then withdrew his motion. Dr. Baker said there was another matter worthy of attention. It was that most Freemasons liked to have tlieir service read at the grave after the church one. The Primate said that could be done with the consent of the Ordinary, which was •scarcely likely to be refused. The motion was Chen adopted.